Turmeric For Dogs: Health Benefits & Dosage

If your asking is turmeric good for dogs? The answer is yes. Have you ever thought about what you can do naturally to boost your dog’s health? Turmeric is one of those! You might already know that turmeric is incredibly beneficial for humans but it’s just as good for our dogs.

According to professionals and specialists, turmeric is generally considered safe for dogs in small amounts. It can help naturally treat and improve a wide arrange of health concerns, especially ones related to inflammation.

Even though it hasn't been studied in pets extensively, it continues to show benefits because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has passed many tests for inclusion in pet foods and treats. Just make sure to check with your vet before administering something new to your furry friends.

What is turmeric?

Turmeric is a warm, bitter spice that comes from a plant native to the tropical regions of Southern Asia. Humans have been using turmeric in foods for its medical properties for over 4,000 years and sometimes call it the golden spice. The key component in turmeric that makes it so beneficial is curcumin, an active, powerful antioxidant that acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Benefits of Turmeric for Dogs:

May relieve joint pain associated with arthritis or any type of pain! - As a potent anti-inflammatory agent, turmeric is a good natural remedy for this.
Turmeric may be used to treat gastrointestinal disorders in dogs like Irritable Bowel Syndrome and helps the intestine and bowels stay healthy.
Turmeric may prevent and help treat cancers in dogs.
Turmeric can have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-virus capabilities.
Turmeric may prevent heart disease in dogs.
Turmeric strengthens bone growth and absorption in dogs.
Turmeric has been proven to be effective against plaque buildup and gingivitis.
Improve cardiovascular health
May slow down ageing, degeneration and even increase lifespan due to its powerful antioxidant properties
Can help with weight management
Kills parasites such as fleas and ticks
Can elevate mood and treat depression
Can relieve allergies
Remedy for diarrhea due to it being a binding agent
Prevents cataracts
May reduce the risk of blood clots because curcumin is also a blood thinner.

Pain is one of the top reasons why pet owners give their dogs turmeric as well as digestive support. Curcumin stimulates bile production in the liver, which aids in digesting food properly because it helps break down dietary fats. So even a little turmeric can go a long way. It can be mixed into a turmeric paste and added into their food or given on its own, you can make homemade turmeric dog treats, or buy pre-made treats/ supplements.

Dosage for Dogs

Start slow when you first start giving your dog turmeric, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs, because their stomachs could become more irritated. It is recommended that you give your dog one-fifth of the recommended dosage, based on his weight, and then gradually increase the dose after that until you have reached the maximum dose. It’s always a good idea to check with your holistic vet because the dosage can also vary by size and health status.

1-10 lbs: 1/16-1/8 tsp. powder
10-20 lbs: 1/8-¼- tsp. powder
20-50 lbs: ¼ tsp.-1 tsp. powder
50-100 lbs: 1 tsp.-2 tsp. powder
More than 100 lbs: 2 tsp. powder

Lambo is around 10lbs so I give him a little less than 1/4 tsp of turmeric. I always add it to his food because he wouldn’t eat it otherwise. Make sure to get a good quality, organic turmeric from a reputable brand. Turmeric, unfortunately, doesn’t absorb well into the body on its own so it is best to mix it with a little bit of black pepper or healthy fat like coconut oil. It is commonly made into a paste that can be added to your dog's food or given directly.

Warning: Turmeric can result in yellow stains on clothes, skin and hair!

Turmeric Paste Recipe

According to Dogs Naturally Magazine and Turmeric for Health this paste works great.

Add ½ cup of turmeric powder and one cup of water to a pan and stir gently over a low flame to form a paste. (This can take around 7-10 minutes) Add more water if needed.
Add 1 ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper and 70 ml coconut or olive oil.
It can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.

The paste can also be applied topically to minor wounds. Since it has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties it can help kill bacteria, disinfect a wound further, reduce inflammation and pain. But it can stain your dog’s coat/skin temporarily bright yellow!

Warnings About Turmeric

Turmeric is safe in small doses and can work very well in aiding various ailments but it’s not best for all dogs. Turmeric should not be given to dogs that:

Have diabetes
Are taking blood thinners
Are always hot and seeking cool places because it is a warming spice
Taking any medications in case they might interfere - check with your vet first
Taking other supplements - check with your vet to make sure there will be so unwanted interactions
Has liver issues or any ongoing health problems

If turmeric is given in excess it can also cause side effects. Some of these include nausea, constipation, upset stomach, gallbladder issues, and dizziness.

If you’re considering turmeric for your dog, it can be a fantastic addition to your dog's diet. I like to give Lambo turmeric regularly but I will admit I do not give it to him every day but this all depends on your dog’s individual needs and health status. If aren’t keen on making the paste you can find suitable already made supplements or treats for dogs made with turmeric. The curcumin in turmeric can play a key role in the prevention and treatment of various chronic inflammation issues.

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